The SAG-AFTRA Foundation has passed the $ 6 million COVID-19 emergency aid mark that has been distributed to more than 6,500 union members and their families in need. This emerges from a recent update from Foundation President Courtney B. Vance, who noted that the financial support was made possible “through the support of over 1,000 generous donors”.
“While the circumstances are not what anyone would think is positive,” he said in his 20th fireplace chat since the pandemic began, “the response and support that so many of you have shown is phenomenal and shows that we are really came together as a community. ” to uplift those who have needed help. I couldn’t be more grateful for your contributions and dedication to this cause. “
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Check out his latest fireside chat above.
“I hope this update hits you in a moment of optimism,” he said. “While we are certainly not out of the COVID forests yet, there is encouraging news that a vaccine may be in sight. As always, I hope that you will continue to join me in remaining protective and proactive so that we can ensure the health and safety of not just ourselves but those around us as well. It is important that we all help each other through the dark tunnel until we finally reach the light.
“With cases nationwide and winter coming, I would like to remind you that our Disaster Relief Fund for COVID-19 is there for those who have not yet used it,” he said, noting that requests are currently being made week to process.
“Our foundation relies wholeheartedly on the generosity of donors to continue the important work we are doing for our community, and this year was unlike any other,” he said, calling on members to end on December 1st Giving Tuesday, the annual global charity movement to participate.
Other services that the foundation has provided to more than 51,000 SAG-AFTRA participants include over 1,200 distance learning bodies and learning opportunities. the production of virtual voiceover and on-camera recording sessions; Remote access and computer software classes; Home Q&A and online workshops on The Business.
He noted that the foundation’s award-winning Storyline online literacy program, which averages 15 million views per month and features 61 books read by 66 SAG-AFTRA cast members, serves more than 140 million children, parents and teachers for engaged in distance learning. and the number of viewers has increased by 20% since 2019.
“As you can see, our programs and services may have been a long way off, but our work and impact are still critical,” he said. “If you are able to support our foundation, we would be grateful for your help on this Giving Tuesday. No donation is too small or too big. Please go to sagaftrafoundation.org/donate and help us continue our important programs in 2021. “
Vance also noted that Netflix and Ryan Murphy, who is a member of our Entertainment Industry Council, will have a special upcoming event in connection with the premiere of The Prom on Netflix in December. This film adaptation of the Broadway show features several members of the Actors’ Council including Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman and Kerry Washington, as well as the Foundation’s supporters James Corden, Keegan-Michael Key and Andrew Runnels.
As always, Vance closed his chat with an inspiring message:
“It’s been quite a year and no doubt we’ve all had our challenges. While there is so much to stress or fear, I encourage you to find the things that you are grateful for for this vacation. Is that your health Your House? Your friends? Your family? Your book club, game groups, or even some of the classes and help you could access here at the foundation? You see, there is a lot that we can override, but so much more that we can appreciate it. In the words of the late great John Candy from the Thanksgiving classic Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, when referring to his crushed car, “I know it’s not pretty, but it takes you where you want to go.” Which is the only way for us to really move forward in a moment of argument like this. Positivity increases productivity, a good mood produces abundant results, and when you are grateful for what you have, you no longer have to focus on what you are not doing.
“Myself? Well, I’m grateful for you this year. From the many nice comments I received on this YouTube channel to the extraordinary support the foundation has received from donors and volunteers. We have it together managed not only to continue to grow as an artist in an alliance, but also to create a closer community taking care of each other.
“Although our plans and our society are different than usual, you know that you will have a place in our hearts, which for me is certainly worth a holiday to celebrate this holiday. I wish you all all the best for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day. May your stomach stay full and hearts be made happy. I appreciate all you have done over the past year and I look forward to all of the great things to come.
“So see you next month: stay healthy. Stay in contact. Stay positive. Cook the turkey until it’s done. If you feel sick or symptomatic, stay home. Grace and peace. “
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